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Every member of the Tomball Police department stood waiting outside their building Feb. 27, their badges glistening in the early morning sun.

They weren't preparing to respond to an emergency, rather they had gathered in preparation for the one time a year they could all be together – the annual inspection.

Inspecting them were the departments command staff of Chief Robert Hauck, Cpt. Rick Grassi, Cpt. Anthony Solomon and Cpt. Rickey Doerre, as well as other area law enforcement officials, business owners and community leaders.

"We do this for multiple reasons," Hauck said. First is the opportunity to show off the men and women of our department, the opportunity to allow us to get together with our public safety partners and members of the community and also the feeling of pride that all of us get being together as a whole, for this one time each year."

Hauck said that while the 47 sworn officers and 13 civilian employees were all together, the city received the help of the Harris County Pct. 4 and Montgomery County Pct. 5 Constable Offices, as well as the Harris County Sheriff's Office in patrolling the city.

"We are very grateful for our partners help, it's what allows us to do this inspection each year," he said.

Meanwhile several other officials, including other law enforcement members, talked to the officers, some jokingly trying to hire them away to work for their agencies.

"We have applications with us," Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia said to laughter. "Seriously though, this community is very lucky that it has such fine men and women of the Tomball Police Department and to have Chief Hauck as well."

Montgomery County Sheriff Tommy Gage said he was grateful his agency has received help from the Tomball Police Department in the past.

"When you all come across that creek to help us, we are so appreciative," he said.

Montgomery County Pct. 5 Chief Deputy David Wood agreed.

"I also live in Tomball, so I have a good view to see what a good job you all do," he said.

Tomball Superintendent John Neubauer said the department's continued partnership with the school district has been a key for school safety.

"It has been a great partnership," he said. "The Tomball Police Department is great and I just want to thank you for all that you do."

Greater Tomball Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Hillegeist said that the key to the department's success is the character of the men and women within the organization.

"You all look handsome in those uniforms," Hillegeist said. "But under those uniforms are what's really important, you all have huge hearts and we are blessed to have you all here."

Tomball is on the move and keeping up with new businesses in the city can be a challenge. With that in mind, the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce (GTACC) First Friday networking luncheon, Oct. 5, will feature GTACC President Bruce Hillegeist with, Tomball’s Top 10 Newsmakers.

“Most days I receive calls and inquiries about a new business or businesses coming Tomball’s way,” Hillegeist said. “We are so fortunate to have such a strong regional economy, but major corporations calling Tomball their home and headquarters don’t happen by accident. There are many people and efforts that deserve our thanks, and this is what I’ll be talking about at the luncheon.”

In addition to Hillegeist’s presentation, Congressman Michael McCaul will be on hand to receive the Spirit of Free Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. State Rep. Allen Fletcher will also be honored for his numerous achievements in the Texas Legislature, especially those involving local mobility projects.

Chamber members, guests, and the public are invited to attend the luncheon, which begins at 11:30 a.m. at the ElmerL.BeckendorfConferenceCenter on the LoneStarCollege – Tomball campus, 30555 Tomball Pkwy.  For reservations call the chamber at 281-351-7222 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Cost is $15 at the door and $17 if invoiced. To learn more about the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce visit, www.TomballChamber.org.

The 40^th edition of Tomball Night, presented by the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce held on Friday, Aug. 3 was a victory for retailers, restaurants, businesses -- for all of Tomball!  Our favorite city saw thousands of adults and children enjoy this family friendly event with local specials, more than 120 vendors, the Lighted Parade, fireworks and much more.

But as with all truly successful ventures, Tomball Night 2012 was possible only through the help of so many. The GTACC is particularly grateful to Tomball Night Chair Rob Greening with NiteLites of Houston and his Tomball Night committee who worked for months to ensure a spectacular event. We are also grateful to our mystery shoppers who did such a fantastic job of getting spotted so that 10 Tomball Night-goers would have an even better Tomball Night with new $100 bills in their hands.

The City of Tomball, Tomball Police Department, Tomball Fire Department, Northwest Emergency Medical Services all played a vital role in Tomball Night by both participating with informational booths and displays and providing children’s activities. These departments also had many personnel and volunteers on hand to make sure Tomball Night went off without a hitch.  And, the Tomball Sister City Committee…WOW!  Thank you to Grady Martin, Sandra Martin, Larry Love and Klaus Rotermund for the priceless help coordinating vendor booth set-up.

Fred Haas Toyota Country and Outback Western Wear, the Star Sponsors of Tomball Night, are our heroes!. Thank you!!

Lastly I want to express my appreciation to The Tomball Magnolia Tribune for being a Tomball Night partner promoting and covering this hometown event.

Tomball Night is sure to be back by popular demand, bigger and better than ever, the first Friday night in Aug., 2013!  Can’t wait? Neither can we!

Sincerely,

Bruce E. Hillegeist

President

Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce